I made an effort this year and planted out pansies in all the Belfast sinks.

I learned my lesson from a few years’ back that the only flower I can actually grow sucessfully are pansies. Everything else hates me and promptly dies, including all herbs.  I proved this theory by managing to kill two thyme plants within a week of planting them.  Even mint hates me.

OH is really in charge of the garden. This is his domain so I can credit him totally with these gorgeous pink lilies which this time of year usually get caught in a good gale and end up being cut down to come into the house so we can appreciate their glory.  This year, they are surviving in the garden. 

OH also built himself a rockery and has been keenly tending to this adding more plants every time he goes into town.

And when I was on my spring plant buying spree, I bought five strawberry plants, that swiftly vanished and were taken over by some rogue potato plants that I had no idea existed.  So tatties instead of strawberries, which is not what I anticipated.

Meanwhile, in the world of duckling, these two are still surviving, which is pretty miraculous.

Mum is her usual cowbag self so I am quick with the food and water changes just in case she makes good on her threats.

I am sorely tempted to let the little family out but a) the ducklings are still edible and b) I don’t trust anyone so I won’t for the time being, until the little ones are a bit bigger and less defenseless.